I would be interested in hearing opinions on how accountable we are for our time. You know, one of the things we kick against in the H church sometimes is feeling like there are too many rules and not enough freedom to do our own thing and follow our own convictions. Do the safety net rules make sense that the H church has as to not watching movies or TV, reading material, entertainment in general, etc.?

I am just curious if some of the things that bother me a little are my conscience or is it my strict upbringing? Help me sort it out.

Some examples: Our children are allowed to watch some decent kid movies. We don't let them fry their brains too long but they do watch fairly regularly, at least during winter months.

Reading material: Spending time reading completely worthless books--is it ok? How much does God require as to our attention being centered on him and training our minds to be spiritual?

I worry some-I have to admit-about me being wrong in allowing too much music and entertainment in our lives because I wonder--how is this stuff teaching my child to be more God conscious? What does it make them think about all the time and want to do? Who does it make them want to pattern after?

When they (and us) are quite often imitating some character they saw or singing a goofy song, I have to wonder...maybe the H church isn't so far off with some of the safety lines drawn?

How accountable are we for the time we spend in things that are purely for ourselves? HELP ME OUT.

Well, you have to be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Just because the Holdemans do something doesn't mean you should throw it away if you leave them. In other words, what I am saying is, it takes a while to sort out whether or not we were doing something just because the Holdemans do it and we learned it as a lifestyle, or whether it is one of those things that is a very worthwhile by product of their lifestyle. I am meeting more and more sincere and thoughtful people who are completely doing away with television. So, just because you leave the Holdeman church doesn't mean you should go out and get a TV and start watching. I don't care to have one and watch almost zero, but not because my preacher is watching, rather because it seems like a waste of time, and because there is really almost nothing there that I want to see. There might be some things, but it is easy to forego it in order to keep from getting caught in the whole web. I don't have time to read foolish things, so that isn't a question. I guess you are catching on to what I am saying?

Yes,I do,VS,thanks for your input. More?

I guess this is basically what VS is saying, but it isn't a sin to not have a tv or radio or a lot of things the Holdemans don't allow. But if you find good in them you shouldn't forbid it because someone else says you can't do it. My suggestion is to be careful with these things (use moderation) and FIRST find out what God wants with your life. There is much good music to listen to and there are also some very good movies to watch but if any of it is distracting you from getting close to God be careful, but don't let these things bother you if they bring you closer to God.

**And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.**

There is nothing wrong with inspirational music. My dad as an older H, had recorded music (more then a cappella) and it certainly gave lift to his meditations. Before mother passed away, he was reaccepted and gave the music to my youngest brother, but I believe he still made some use of it... should really check before I suggest it. I had moved 1000 miles away by then.